In Rotorua, 43.5mm total rain was recorded as at 3pm. The heaviest rainfall today was recorded between 8am and 9am, when 7.4mm had fallen.
Wairoa Bridge. Photo / Zoe Blake
A geotechnical assessment of slips around State Highway 2 Wairoa Bridge was underway today.
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence said in a Facebook post this afternoon the bridge near Bethlehem was open, despite reports of it closing.
“We’re aware of reports suggesting the Wairoa Bridge is closed or closing at 3pm.
“As at 2.45pm, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi – Waikato & Bay of Plenty has confirmed that no bridge closure is planned at this stage.”
Tauranga City Council said the bridge remained open to vehicles, but the cycle lane was closed.
The council said State Highway 29A between Barkes Corner and Ōropi Rd was closed earlier and traffic was heavily congested in Tauranga South and Pyes Pā.
“If you must drive today, take extra care. Roadside embankments are especially susceptible to slips and landslides,” the council said.
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Flooding on State Highway 29a near the Ōropi roundabout. Photo / Zoe Blake
It warned that high tide in the afternoon may have an impact on streams, creeks and other bodies of water.
NZ Transport Agency warned of a shoulder closure on SH2 between Wairoa Bridge and Clarke Rd and of surface flooding on SH2 between Bethlehem and Waihī overbridge (Takitimu Drive).
Motorists were also advised to avoid the bottom end of Cheyne Rd, near Oropi Rd, due to significant flooding.
The road was closed and community patrols were rerouting people, a reporter at the scene said.
A slip was reported to have hit a building in Minden.
Slip on Crawford Rd near Tauranga.
A reporter on Crawford Rd said police had cordoned off the road.
“There is major flooding on Crawford Rd and Wairoa Rd.
“A slip has gone into a building, a shed by the looks of it. The area and roads are at high risk of further slips.”
The slip was reported at 8am, between Vernon Rd and Junction Rd, police said.
“No injuries have been reported and no evacuations are needed.”
A car crashed into a barrier on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road after hitting water and losing control, police said.
Police were called to the crash about 7.10am. No injuries were reported.
A resident in Welcome Bay told the Bay of Plenty Times there was flooding on Welcome Bay Rd at the James Cook Drive intersection.
They said the eastbound lane was “entirely covered” with water.
Another motorist told SunLive there was flooding on Ohauiti Rd, near the garden centre.
There had also been a report of flooding on Windsor Rd, near Sherwood St.
Tauranga City Council said Maleme St in Greerton was closed by flooding.
“We have contractors on-site assessing the situation, and we urge drivers to avoid the area if they can.”
Maleme St, Greerton, is flooded. Photo / Supplied
A SunLive reader said the Maleme St flooding was “high enough that small cars can’t really drive through it safely anymore”.
There was also flooding on Burrows St.
A reporter at the scene said she was told the flooding was caused by blocked drains.
“A white BMW attempted to drive through the water and suffered engine failure. Water levels are now starting to lower.”
A worker in Tauriko said he was notified of a slip near the SH29 highway.
A large slip in Tauriko. Photo / Screenshot / Supplied
“Businesses on Whakakake St have been recommended to evacuate. We have been told we might have to, but are waiting for Geotech expert advice,” said the man, who works on a neighbouring street.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it was alerted to the landslide behind a building on Whakakake St about 9.40am.
“The building was evacuated and Fire and Emergency had left the incident at 10.37am.”
The Western Bay of Plenty District Council said Community Emergency Hubs were open in Waihī Beach and Ōmokoroa for anyone who needed to evacuate or felt unsafe due to the ongoing severe weather.
A Te Puna resident reported a slip on Plummers Point Rd.
A slip on Plummers Point Rd in Te Puna. Photo / Claire Rogers
She said a slip had come down on top of a boat, which had been pulled ashore a couple of days ago.
Several residents in Te Puke reported “significant flooding” at Donovan Park near Raymond Ave.
One resident said the creek was now a “flowing river”.
Te Puke resident Peter Willis told the Bay of Plenty Times there was “major flooding” between Raymond Ave and Muir Place.
“Water is just pouring down from the top of the sub bridge and meeting with the river, it’s causing this major flooding.”
He said neighbours were packing bags ready to evacuate, and that his paddocks were also flooded.
The Kaituna and Paraiti Rivers reached first warning levels, according to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
A spokesperson said the council’s Flood Room was on active watch.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s raceday at Tauranga Racecourse has been cancelled.
“With over 200mm of rain and more forecast, the track and key areas around the venue have been impacted – including water over the track, flooded tie-up stalls, and damaged walkways,” a post from Racing Tauranga said.
“The decision has been made in conjunction with NZTR and RIB, with safety for horses, riders, and staff our top priority.”